Anxiety Disorder

Many people use the word “anxiety” to describe everything from occasional worry to a chronic mental health condition, but not all anxiety is the same. Everyday stress or nervousness in response to life’s challenges is normal, while persistent, overwhelming anxiety that disrupts daily life may point to a diagnosable disorder. Understanding the difference between common anxiety and conditions that require professional care is an important first step toward finding the right support.

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Anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a persistent state of heightened tension, restlessness and fear that can interfere with your work, relationships and daily life. At Salma Health, we understand that anxiety doesn’t resolve with simple reassurances or short-term solutions. Our team of experts provides you with evidence-based therapies, advanced, proven therapies and ongoing support to help you manage your anxiety over the long term. At Salma Health, we treat multiple forms of anxiety, including:

Specific Phobia
Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)
Panic Disorder
Agoraphobia
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Common Symptoms

Excessive, hard-to-control worry
Restlessness or feeling “on edge”
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Fatigue or low energy
Muscle tension
Irritability
Trouble sleeping

Our Diagnostic Process

Anxiety disorder is diagnosed through a clinical assessment that evaluates the persistence, severity, and impact of anxiety symptoms, often using structured interviews and standardized screening tools to rule out other conditions.

Our process includes:

Clinical evaluation
‍A detailed discussion of symptoms, triggers, and how anxiety affects your daily life
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Medical review
‍Identification of health issues, such as thyroid dysfunction or vitamin deficiencies, that can mimic or worsen anxiety
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Advanced diagnostics (if indicated)
‍Neuroimaging or laboratory testing to rule out other contributing conditions
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Screening for co-occurring disorders
‍Assessment for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that may complicate anxiety symptoms

Treatment Options

Our approach to Anxiety Disorder is built on personalized, adaptable care that evolves with your needs.

Advanced diagnostics
‍Targeted testing to rule out contributing medical factors and provide a complete picture of your health

Medication management
‍Tailored pharmacologic support to manage symptoms and minimize side effects, with ongoing adjustments as your needs evolve

Individual psychotherapy
‍One-on-one therapy focused on understanding thought patterns, building coping strategies and strengthening resilience

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
‍For individuals with anxiety complicated by depression, this non-invasive treatment stimulates mood-regulating brain regions to reduce overlapping symptoms

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Why Choose Salma Health?

We’ve reimagined how depression care should feel: integrated, proactive and personal.

Personalized care plans
Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique biology, history and goals—not a one-size-fits-all approach.

Integrated clinical team
Psychiatrists, neurologists, therapists, specialists and care coordinators work together to ensure no piece of your care happens in isolation.

Precision diagnostics
We use advanced tools to understand your brain, not just your symptoms, helping us match you to the right interventions faster.

Whole-person focus
We address the mind-body connection, emphasizing emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing.‍

Ongoing partnership
Care doesn’t stop after one visit. We monitor outcomes and adapt your plan over time as your needs evolve.

Our approach to brain health care

We meet patients where they are to provide advanced diagnostics and treatment. Every patient is welcomed into an atmosphere of trust, comfort and support. Our team efficiently and collaboratively manages evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

We work with most major insurance providers to make care accessible. Not sure about your coverage? Our team can help verify your benefits and answer your questions.

We work with most major insurance companies.

Frequently asked questions

How is anxiety different from “normal” worry?

Everyone experiences worry from time to time, but anxiety is more persistent and can interfere with daily life. “Normal” worry tends to be tied to specific situations and fades once the issue is resolved. Anxiety, on the other hand, often feels harder to control, lasts longer, and may come with physical symptoms like restlessness, muscle tension, or trouble sleeping. When worry becomes excessive, constant, or impacts your ability to function, it may be a sign of an anxiety disorder.

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Do I need medication to treat my anxiety?

Not always. Many people benefit from therapy, lifestyle changes, and skill-building strategies without medication. Others find that medication provides important relief, especially when symptoms are more intense or interfere with daily life. At Salma Health, your clinician will work with you to understand your goals, review your options, and decide whether medication, therapy, or a combination of both is the best approach for your care.

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Can lifestyle changes really help reduce my anxiety symptoms?

Yes. Lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference for people with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Regular exercise, consistent sleep, balanced nutrition, and mindfulness practices can all help regulate stress hormones and improve emotional stability. Limiting caffeine and alcohol, maintaining a structured routine, and building supportive social connections can also lessen symptom intensity. While these changes alone may not replace therapy or medication, they can significantly enhance overall treatment outcomes and long-term well-being.

Will Salma Health coordinate with my current doctors and therapists?

Yes, with your consent, Salma Health can collaborate closely with your primary care provider, psychiatrist, therapist, and any other clinicians to ensure cohesive, integrated care.

What can I expect at my first visit for anxiety diagnosis and treatment?

Your first visit begins with an in-depth discussion about your symptoms, stressors, and how anxiety shows up in your daily life. We’ll review your medical and mental health history, conduct a neurological and psychiatric evaluation, and, if needed, order lab work or imaging to rule out underlying factors. From there, we’ll create a personalized care plan that may include therapy, medication, or other evidence-based treatments to help reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.

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Care starts with a conversation

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We know that finding a new doctor who fits your brain health needs can be an overwhelming process.

We’ll ask about how you’ve been feeling lately. Your answers help our care team personalize support that fits you.

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